The area of Dudley could alter the spelling by the end of the year in a bid to appease 'politically correct' campaigners.

Complaints have been received that the Dudley suburb, who's history dates from 1420, has a name which 'could cause offence', as the term 'nether' is often applied to specific areas of the human body.

Plans are afoot to alter the spelling - and the pronunciation - by the end of the year in a bid to attract more visitors to the Dudley Borough.

Campaigners also want the council to consider other town's in the region, saying that, whilst their names don't "cause alarm or offence" it's aways good to "shake things up". Phillip Lonker, who first contacted Dudley Council last year, said:

"I don't want to cause a riot, and I respect the heritage of the area, but in 2018 we can't have a town named after one's private parts. Dudley is better than that and a simple alteration of spelling shouldn't be the end of the world.

"Admittedly there's a cost involved, changing signs and altering maps - but a small contribution from the council take payer should solve that and allow us to move into the 21st century more than we are already."

However, local resident Julie Owen, criticised Mr Lonker's proposal, adding:

"I've been a proud Nethertonian since I was born and I've never been offended. Netherton is a great place to live and there's no reason to take offence at the name."

A decision will be put to public vote in the Summer.